Pack Community

By Crissy Smith

A wolf and bobcat come together and change one community—forever.

Gray Mason is worn out and run down from the long months on the road in search of the feline Prince. All he wants is to finish his mission and go back to his Pack, until he finds himself in the most unique little town and meets the one woman who will turn his world upside down.

Beth Williams is happy in her town Coyote Bluff. The community of shifters support one another and she has her brother and nephew. Sure, sometimes she might get lonely, but she's content with her life. That is, until a new wolf hits town.

But there is more going on than just the attraction between the wolf and the bobcat.

Gray's search is taking him closer to finding the Prince but leading him right into the middle of a feline conspiracy and battle. Beth's family is deeply entwined with his mission and Gray has some serious decisions to make.

Gray's depended on his Pack as much as they have on him. In a strange place, surrounded by other shifter species, Gray is going to have to figure out who he can trust, and fast, because trouble is coming down the canyon and doesn't care who's in the way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Jul 11, 2017
• ISBN: 9781786510983

Crissy Smith

Crissy Smith lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and three Labrador retrievers. The three dogs love to curl up under her computer desk and nap while she writes. It doesn't leave a lot of room for her but what's a woman to do? When not writing or reading, she enjoys hunting, camping and shooting. But she has a girly side too and is addicted to pedicures and coffee. She has been writing since she was a teenager and still loves everything to do with the paranormal. Her stories and characters all have a place in her heart. She loves the alpha male, the dominant werewolf, or the Master vampire which find their way in most of her books. Learn more about the characters she has created at her website where they have their very own page. It will be updated from time to time to let you know what's going on with them. You can also find out who will be in the next book.

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Pack Community

ISBN # 978-1-78651-098-3

©Copyright Crissy Smith 2017

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright June 2017

Edited by Rebecca Baker

Totally Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorized or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2017 by Totally Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, UK

Totally Bound Publishing is a subsidiary of Totally Entwined Group Limited.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Burning and a Sexometer of 2.

Were Chronicles

PACK COMMUNITY

Crissy Smith

Book five in the Were Chronicles series

A wolf and bobcat come together and change one community—forever.

Gray Mason is worn out and run down from the long months on the road in search of the feline Prince. All he wants is to finish his mission and go back to his Pack, until he finds himself in the most unique little town and meets the one woman who will turn his world upside down.

Beth Williams is happy in her town Coyote Bluff. The community of shifters support one another and she has her brother and nephew. Sure, sometimes she might get lonely, but she’s content with her life. That is, until a new wolf hits town.

But there is more going on than just the attraction between the wolf and the bobcat.

Gray’s search is taking him closer to finding the Prince but leading him right into the middle of a feline conspiracy and battle. Beth’s family is deeply entwined with his mission and Gray has some serious decisions to make.

Gray’s depended on his Pack as much as they have on him. In a strange place, surrounded by other shifter species, Gray is going to have to figure out who he can trust, and fast, because trouble is coming down the canyon and doesn’t care who’s in the way.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my husband—the love of my life and my biggest supporter. It was a difficult year, but I love how much of a fighter you are. You make me proud to be your wife and I know you’ll only grow stronger every day until you are fully healed.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Ford: Ford Motor Company

Taser: Axon Enterprise, Inc.

Desert Eagle: Magnum Research Inc.

Chapter One

Early evening heat surrounded Gray Mason as he stepped out of his Ford truck after pulling over to the side of the road. The sign in front of him welcomed him to Coyote Bluff, Texas, located in the panhandle of the large state, a place he had never visited before. But recent signs had narrowed down the location of Prince of felines to a couple of possibilities—one of them being the canyons surrounding the town.

After he’d spoken to the Alpha Council and the Pack Alpha for the west Texas area, arrangements had been made for Gray to investigate in Coyote Bluff. He’d been hearing rumors about the town that accepted any and all shifters since he’d begun to investigate the kidnapping. It would make since for whoever had taken the Prince to hide out in an area that was so remote.

Excitement rippled through his body at the thought of the search finally going somewhere after three very long months. While the idea of an entire town full of shifters unsettled him a bit, he would do everything in his power to finally end his journey and make his way home.

He surveyed the area directly around him, seeking anyone who might be a threat. Sensing no one near, he took out his cell phone and called his Alpha.

Hey, Gray, I was starting to wonder if I’d hear from you today, Tyler greeted him.

Gray had to smile. Tyler would worry whether Gray called in or not, but Gray liked knowing that someone would at least notice if he went missing.

Yeah, sorry about that, boss, Gray answered and leaned against his tailgate. Crappy reception down here.

Just be careful. I contacted the sheriff there to let him know you would be stopping by in a day or so. He seems like an okay guy, but remember we don’t have any ties there, Tyler warned.

So he’s not family? Gray enquired, asking his Alpha in this way if the man was a wolf shifter.

I don’t think so. The town is supposed to be full of other shifters, but I just can’t tell over the phone.

Gray grunted. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the others—he just hadn’t met many. Most of his dealings were with the felines and those experiences had not been good.

I’ll check into the hotel tonight, get a run in and see what I can nose out before I meet with him tomorrow, Gray informed the other man.

Just be careful. There is no wolf Pack there, but that doesn’t mean that there are no wolves. You don’t want to trespass against them before you know who you are dealing with. Especially without back-up.

No problem. I’ll stay away from any marked spots.

Then call me tomorrow and get some rest, Tyler ordered.

Will do. Gray hung up, still grinning. He had been away from his Pack for so long he was started to feel the loneliness more and more each day. While some wolf shifters had no problem going rogue, the true, deep comfort he found with his Pack mates had started to fade and it made him edgy. And an agitated wolf was never a good thing. He needed his family. He needed to get home soon.

Normally, he only shifted a few nights a month to let his animal out. The longer he was away from family, the more agitated both he and the wolf became. Running late at night seemed to be the only way he could calm himself, and even that didn’t work like it had.

Coyote Bluff, he mumbled under his breath as he climbed back into his truck. Out of all the animals who in the world would pick a coyote to name a town after? Gray didn’t know any coyote shifters, although he was aware they existed. Rumor had it that coyote shifters were more than a little crazy. If he had time maybe he’d be able to dig into the history of the place. Gray loved learning about different communities and their unique quirks.

He pulled back onto the main road and followed directions on signs until he found what he’d been looking for. The hotel had the appearance of an old cabin from the pioneer days. He parked in front of the door and got out, pleasantly surprised to see that while it might seem old, it was a sturdy building. The railings spreading from the entrance to both sides were composed of thick pieces of wood with delicate carvings.

A closer look revealed that the carvings were of several different animals. The detail—each species practically came to life—was simply amazing. There seemed to be more to this town than he’d first thought. That boded well for his purpose here.

He hefted his bag over his shoulder and pushed open the large oak door. The spacious entrance seemed to invite him in and Gray found himself smiling.

What greeted him first was the scent of fresh cooking. He’d been living out of convenience stores and on fast food for so long that his mouth watered as he thought about a hot, home-cooked meal. His stomach rumbled in agreement.

I guess that means the first order of business will be getting you something to eat, a tall, slender woman said, coming to his side, laughing.

Gray grinned at the pretty middle-aged woman. Didn’t realize I was so hungry until I smelt whatever that delicious food is.

The woman laughed again, throwing her head back. Oh no, Claude does all the cooking around here. But I will tell him you said that. I’m guessing you’re Mr. Mason? she asked and guided him to the small, neat reception desk he hadn’t noticed. I’m Dorothy. Claude and I own this place, so if you need anything, you just give me a holler.

Yes, ma’am. Gray Mason here to check in and hopefully check out dinner.

Oh, I am going to like you, Mr. Gray Mason, she told him, patting his hand. Just sign this registration form. We will charge your credit card when you check out. The dining room is open from five in the morning to eight at night. But if you want anything when it’s not open, you just let me know and I’ll show you around the kitchen. It’s open to all our guests. We get a lot of business in the dining room from the town folk, so don’t you worry about what time you eat. We’ve got plenty to feed everyone.

Gray nodded and signed the paper she’d given him. The heavy welcome card he slid back across the counter to Dorothy reminded him of the old paper his grandparents had enjoyed. The pleasant memory brought him a touch of his past. What an unexpected gem he’d found in this odd town. If all your food smells like this, I don’t see myself eating anywhere else, he said. He had a feeling the meals there would also remind him of a time he’d never get back.

There are places to grab food in town, also. We have a café, a coffee shop, a bakery, the pizza joint and even a steak house on the other side of town heading out. All good food, although no one cooks like my Claude.

Now, Dorothy, I think you may be a little biased. Gray turned as a heavyset man joined them. He smiled and seemed friendly, but it was the power behind his eyes that told Gray much about him.

This was a shifter. Not wolf or feline, but something just as powerful. Gray stiffened and faced the man directly. He had hoped to avoid any display of dominance.

The smile fell from the other man’s lips as he held out his hand. Claude Gentry.

Gray Mason, and Dorothy is correct. It smells amazing, Gray told Claude as they shook. While his wolf might have been straining to get out, Gray was professional enough to control his instincts. Being a detective in a very human world had tested him enough.

As soon as the words left his lips, he felt the change in the other man. Instead of a mood to match the cautious handshake, the man returned to his joyful self. Well, thank you, son. Let Dorothy get you checked in so we can feed you, he told Gray with a friendly slap on his back.

Gray looked back to the woman in time to see her send Claude a worried glance before smiling at him once more. Gray breathed in deeply, trying to place any familiar scents. The woman was human, although she smelled like Claude. But he just couldn’t place the other man. The scent was more fresh air and fields than the wild and woodsy scent of wolves.

He couldn’t come right out and ask without sounding rude, so he just pushed it to the back of his mind as he accepted his room key and listened to the directions to his room.

Passing through the cabin—he no longer thought of it as a hotel—he appreciated the beauty and comfort of the décor and feel. He liked the little place already.

His room was located on the second floor, which suited him fine. He wasn’t usually picky but being in a strange place surrounded by so many different scents had him on edge. Being on the third or fourth floor would have put him farther away from escape.

Later, maybe after my run, I’ll calculate how many exits will get me to safety if need be.

When he reached his room, Gray took a minute to breath in the scents around his door. He didn’t catch that any other shifters had passed by recently. Dorothy’s pleasant aroma was all he found. Relaxing a little more, Gray put the key in the lock before pushing open his door. It amused him that the cabin didn’t use the key cards most hotels had switched over to.

Stepping inside the space that would be his home for the near future, he nodded in approval. Clean and comfortable. There might not have been a lot of furniture—just a large bed, a couple of night stands, desk with chair and a long dresser—but it would suit his needs.

Instead of unpacking, Gray wanted to get back down to the dining room. He’d really grown hungry and it had been a long drive.

He dropped his bag onto the bottom of the bed then spun around to stroll right back out of the door.

Gray reached the bottom of the stairs and found Dorothy standing there, apparently waiting for him.

I didn’t think it would take you long to head back down here, so I had Claude start making you a plate, she said.

I appreciate it, ma’am.

Now. She waved her hand. None of that. We’re family here. You just call me Dorothy.

Only if you call me Gray.

It will be my pleasure, she said. Dorothy threaded her arm through his, urging him to the entrance of the dining hall.

There were already several couples eating who checked him out when Dorothy escorted him in. A few glanced up but only smiled before returning to their meals. Gray was taken back by the easy acceptance from other shifters.

He’d really underestimated Coyote Bluff.

Now, you sit here by the window. As the sun sets, you’ll have a great view of our wonderful town, Dorothy told him when they’d reached the spot she wanted him to take.

Sounds perfect. Gray pulled out the chair and sat before Dorothy could do it for him.

Now what do you prefer to drink?

An ice tea would be perfect.

Sweet or unsweet?

Gray laughed. In Texas? I’m going to go with the sweet tea.

Beaming, she patted his shoulder. Good man.

She was off in a flash, surprising him. Dorothy moved quickly, almost as if she floated.

Movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention and he leaned forward, trying to see what it was. A small animal darted between two cars, but he couldn’t tell what it had been.

Here you go, Gray. Dorothy set down his glass then a plate full of barbecue ribs, potato salad, green beans with bacon and cornbread.

Oh, my God! He bent forward, breathing deeply. He hadn’t even ordered, but Dorothy had brought him exactly what he’d been craving.

Enjoy! Dorothy told him before leaving him to his overflowing plate.

Gray dug in, concentrating on filling his stomach with the best food he’d ever tasted. If anyone was watching, they’d probably think he hadn’t eaten in months and Gray wouldn’t have blamed them. He barely took the time to swallow. It was so fucking good.

Dorothy stopped by once to refill his tea while looking pleased with his progress.

It wasn’t until he lifted his head that he noticed most of the other patrons had finished and left. The sun wasn’t completely down, but it was most definitely dusk.

You ate every bit, Dorothy commented with pride. That will make Claude very happy.

You must tell him that I enjoyed every bite. Best food I’ve eaten in years.

I’ll do that. She set down a bottle of domestic beer. Now why don’t you take this and sit out on the porch. Take in the sights and relax.

Gray stood and kissed her cheek, letting impulse take him over. He wasn’t naturally a touchy-feely kind of guy, but the moment seemed to call for it.

You’ll fit in her perfectly.